Next week will also be Simon Cowell’s final appearance on the program he helped put on the map. He is leaving to start a rival talent show, “X Factor,” next year.

The only real moment of drama last night came at the end of the show when Bowersox and James stood together on stage, waiting to hear who would be sent home.

For a brief moment, it seemed possible that Crystal might not make it.

Bowersox was stunned when she heard she’d made the last cut, saying, “I’m safe? I’m safe?” after host Ryan Seacrest called her name.

The Bowersox-DeWyze showdown was determined after more than 47 million votes were cast — down from the 88 million this time last year, when the contest was among Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey.

Many fans have touted Bowersox as the obvious choice for this year’s “Idol” winner — thanks to her confident, earthy singing style and heartfelt status as a single mom. She’ll be facing a hard fight from DeWyze during next Tuesday’s finals.

Last night, DeWyze, who judge Ellen DeGeneres said has “grown from shy little baby lamb into a springy, carefree gazelle,” told Seacrest he had “never wanted to win more than I do right now.”

Texas-native James was sent packing in what was, perhaps, the most unsurprising move in “Idol” finals history. He even seemed like he knew he was going home — all night long he adopted the “I’m just happy to be here” attitude.